Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, – Ephesians 1:18
What comes to your mind when you think of an inheritance? Perhaps the occasion of the reading of someone’s Last Will and Testament, perhaps being included in a gift from a distant relative you hardly knew. Maybe you think of inheriting your mother’s eyes or your father’s capacity for hard work. Whether money, genetic characteristics, or influence, inheritors receive something they did not earn. A Forbes article in November 2023 reported that more than half of the 137 people across the globe who attained billionaire status in the twelve preceding months had inherited it. It was the first time in years that inheritances exceeded earnings.
Today’s verse in Ephesians speaks of the “riches of the glorious inheritance” that awaits those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus. In his commentary, author, pastor, and evangelist F.B. Meyer said, “Yes, it is an inheritance. It is a free gift, and yet we have a right to it. We do not ask for it—we were born into the blessed privilege. The child that lies in yonder cradle, over which the coronet is emblazoned, may claim his broad ancestral estates simply by right of birth: and it is on that tenure that the saints hold heaven. By God’s great mercy we have been begotten again.” Just as you did nothing to earn your salvation, “It is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9), so your inheritance is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit to you in Christ.
Until the time that you pass from the boundaries of Earth to reach your Heavenly destination, you live in the inheritance of “every spiritual blessing” that God has planned for you in accordance with His purposes. Your inheritance – both for today and for eternity – is more about God than it is about you. It is about that blessed hope that He has set upon you in Christ. Give Him praise and adoration today. Thank God for the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, in order that you might be a forever child of the King.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 1:18
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
